The two most archetype character of the comic medium are together again for the first time on the big screen but I will come out and say it. It was the the story that was in the making since Reeve and Keaton famously took on the roles of the Man from Krypton, and the Knight Of Gotham. Let’s talk about the Batman first.

Affleck was a great take on Batman. Maybe no so much Bruce. I say that as this is probably the first time we have seen a seasoned Batman who in the film is about 50 years in age (certainly in the senior years of his 40s.) All that being said that aspect was fun. Bust as I said in my TDKR review, it limits a character. However in this film, age may as well be an after thought (more on this in a moment). The interesting thing about this Batman. Why so many love him and would foolishly try to have you believe Batman can actually beat Superman, is because he is a man that had the fountain of determination in his caves under his Mansion. He is simply a guy who experienced trauma and vowed to not let it happen to someone else. He’s as good natured as they come. How that translates to being what was written/being the character Snyder envisioned is beyond me. He felt so bastardized by the end it nearly ruined the character/franchise for me. That said there’s several elements Snyder got right. One was his planning. Batman’s supporters will cry to the death that if given the preparation time, he could best everyone (to which I laugh because plans always go accordingly). This Batman, maybe aside from Bale/Nolan’s Batman, is arguably the most meticulous and efficient we have seen the character and arguably the closest we’ve seen just be a good guy. But how he’s bastardized is simply, his vendetta against Superman is undone by himself for allowing just as much, if not more destruction to happen in a populated city. One sad part was the lack there of the character of Gotham. Yes it’s there. But each time Batman has been on screen small or big, Gotham is so very present to help add to the character. Overall I don’t think he did a superb/amazing job acting wise. But he did no wrong. Jeremy Irons and Affleck’s banter as Alfred and Bruce was a welcomed sight. Very much reminded me of Batman the animated series and that’s shows evolution into Justice League… all this said as much as I love how Batman/Affleck is on screen… Killing and all, it’s just not what I waited three years or most of my life for.

Superman… Say what you want about Man of Steel, minus the stupidity behind the death of Jonathan Kent, the film is rather magnificent in many ways. But it’s easy to lose sight of that as many complained about all the destruction in populated areas. Having said that, you’d think Superman would learn from that. The actual physical comic medium aside, any second chapter for any character is all about learning and growth. I’m not saying he has to be sniper efficient. But just less flinging people around and a little bit more respect for human tax dollars (totally kidding with that last bit). But seriously, where was Superman being a hero? Yes he saves the day, but this was such a personal vendetta story that totally disregards the characters foundations. I didn’t feel like I was watching Superman, felt like I was watching Batman audition for the justice league. I get this isn’t a traditional sequel to M.O.S. but this just felt totally off from its predecessor it. Yes Supes was saving the day, but that connection was missing and then when you get to the end, nothing makes any sense for anyone to be where they are. Supes is the most famous immigrant. He and Metropolis represent the hope many have sought for when leaving their respective homes for another. He is both Jesus and Moses of bible/religious lore. that’s his centre (you can argue it if you wish, but its true). The contrast was missing between the two cities which leads to a very much a missed opportunity. My biggest issue was that he didn’t seem to learn about his destruction from M.O.S., but that one aspect is carried on in the comics.

The story is as weak as they come. Some reading hinted that massive rewrites were done. By massive I mean core villains were swapped which may have made more sense overall if they were left in. With the two bread and butter characters from DC you’d think they’d know the type of characters they had. The meaning they both carry just in name should lead to a great story. The psychology behind them both is something that really should have been explored in levels. i.e. Clark vs Bruce, Bruce Vs Superman, Batman, Vs Clark, culminating in an all out brawl. And yes, one clear winner for the sake of all debates. What we got was some story that didn’t lead to much other than the pending Justice League movie. One thing any director who understands film (as a medium) will tell you is that each scene is set up as a container. When you edit it every container is opened and you either take it as is, or you take moments. This film felt like every container was used but without any logic at all. The scenes have no cohesiveness to them. One minute Bruce is kicking ass the other Lois is saving the day for some reason. Most good movies lead the viewer. Go ahead think of a movie you like bet you the story leads you to the next scene. For this I blame direction. But I don’t wish I had Mr Synder’s job here. Unless it was perfect for everyone it was never gonna be great.

my biggest issue was there was too much of an emphasis on Justice League. the Cameo’s by Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg were so unnecessary to the overall story within its contexts. I saw better fan comments that had better ways to introduce these characters. As cool as both Cyborg and Flashes were they were too much in an already messy film character wise. Lex Luthor is the crazy mad scientist of old which I feel isn’t the right way to go. Having him contrast Superman as a villainous human in many ways like Batman (minus the cowl and cape and the obvious heroics) would have been tad better. Laurence Fishburne was more comfortable looking as the Chief, Perry White. I kind of wish they used that to their advantage in this film. Wonder Woman has the best entrance I think any female hero could have hoped for. Her role isn’t as big as I would have liked personally but that isn’t a good or bad thing. I do like wishing I had more sometimes. But considering she is getting a solo movie soon, I can wait to see her in her own element. I just wish I could remember if Ms. Gadot had an accent or if she put one on for her role. In her own way< she does need to bulk up just a bit more to sell the physicalness of her character. But being what t is, its a nice contrast to what she is meant to be. Her size isn’t an issue just my own personal preference for the character is all.

Overall rating of the movie: 5.5 out of 10,

Cinematography: 7 out of 10,

Editing: 4 out of 10,

Audio: 9 out of 10,

Acting: 7 out of 10,

Theatres or wait for the blu-ray? DEFINITELY see it at home. Wait for the blu-ray as it comes with an additional 30 minutes. Which really is felt throughout in the film. if you are gonna see it in theatres, Imax or nothing. Would recommend “D-box” for it is a long film. be ready to see it more than once for clarity.

“Accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

That quote, which is said early on in the feature, generally sets the tone for the remainder of the movie. It’s a pretty powerful one and to my knowledge isn’t one often explored in the comic medium unless it’s a time travel story. Luckily for us it’s that and a lot more.

The Flash is someone who is well known character to the DC universe and this story shows us why. Being able to break the time barrier similar to how back to the Future does with speed. One of, if not, the defining moment for The Flash is that he ran too slowly to save his mother and then later carried that guilt to become the hero he needed to be. In the movie, it’s clear that he is being a hero by saving her. I think any child would do anything to save their mom from impending danger if even by means of time disruption. The interesting side of all this that the villain of this story begs the question the how much of a hero are you really when all you did was save your mother. You didn’t try and stop 9-11, you didn’t make Hitler stay in art school, instead, and you took personal happiness instead of greater good. Not to cross brands here but, that is exactly the point to “with great power comes greater responsibility”. You have to wonder, especially if you are of the total of people who believe in a higher power… Do bad things happen to us as individuals and as a whole people for the betterment of each and every one of us?

The story of the characters aside, the theme story is where it’s worth watching and it’s great for both young and old alike. The violence however… That’s for teens and up. One thing I will always say about DC’s direct to video collection, they aren’t afraid to show some blood, have a little cursing and do it to compliment the story overall. This isn’t any different. Given that the core of the story is surrounded by an impending Armageddon war, everything is a little more dire than normal for the characters to succeed. So in a way a lot of characters do need to “die” so that they can bring an extra level of emotion. And the emotion really is brought to the next level. All I will say is Batman steals the show at the end.

The animation felt very much like the Batman year one in the way they moved but maybe a little more fluent than the former. I don’t know much about animation, but I noticed whenever there’s a fight… They always seem to have a fight in a circle. Nit picking sure, but as I thought about it, it kind of took me out of the story… Or at least the full enjoyment of this thing.

Bottom line: If there’s ever really going to be a Flash movie or show they should take some tips from this(which they sort of did in the Arrow episodes before the holiday break). It’s a great Flash story, it’s a great for anyone new to the character and or familiar with him and or the other heroes featured, but don’t expect great great things past “The Flash“. I would love to see that final moment with Flash before the credits in a movie though. It’s a great addition to the collection of DC direct videos. Above all else, blame the Flash for the “New 52″

Rating :

The rating system is as follows. The 1st rating is what you really want, the rest is just what I thought of each other category as it’s listed (art/animation is how the movie translates the art from the book in animation).

Haunted:

As the Speed Demon looks at the recently arrived Impulse, the two exchange words. Impulse quickly grabs Clark and tells him that he needs all of Clark’s speed in order to defeat him. As Impulse gets him to a “safe” distance, Clark begins to try and reason with him to not do this by himself. Impulse confirms that the figures he saw before arriving to Las Vegas (last ish) have told him how to beat this Black Flash. Just as quickly as he arrived he leaves Clark in the desert to take on the Speed Demon, but Clark doesn’t like to be put in the corner so he fly’s back to try and join him, remembering the first time he let Bart get away (back in season four, episode 5: “Run”). As Clark begins to reach him he calls out to him asking him to slow down, he whispers “Not this time, amigo.” Reaching the Speed Demon he suddenly stops and this bright yellow light engulfs the area and then all of a sudden lightening strike causes a thunderous boom that seems to level Las Vegas. When Clark Finally gets to the site, he’s met with a crater the shape of the Flash logo.

Back in another flash back memory, Chloe relives the first meeting she had with her E2-Chloe doppelgänger when they had almost touched and repulsed each other like a powerful magnet. When E2-Chloe landed she met a Monitor who told her that even though she survived the destruction of her Earth, that Earth1 (E1… “our” Earth) will meet the same end. The monitor then explains why this is happening which is simple. The monitors maintain order. Existence is chaos. As Chloe wakes she hears Clark say that Impulse is gone. Sometime later at the home of the JSA (Justice Society of America) Jay Garrick talks with Superman, who assures Garrick, it’s not his fault (although yes it is lol). Moments later, Dr. Hamilton tells him that whatever borrowed speed force he was exposed to cleansed him of any radiation Lex was using to track Superman… To Be Continued.

This was all kind gut wrenching. The apparent death of Impulse was shocking as ever. Given the hidden messages like “you haven’t met them yet” when telling Clark about the “little birdies” or the fact of the logo and even remembering that this is, still a comic. It’s a nerd/geek soap opera, I’m sure he will be back. But Kudos to Miller who crafted a thrilling end to this story arc/chapter… episode.

This one (chapter and issue) has the most emotions but not overly done/over the top as was a couple issues ago. Nice touch adding the scenes from season four to contrast the death of Bart in this issue.

Jimenez AGAIN, knocked the ball out of the park with this one. He really captured the needed flair to pull off the throwback scenes from that “Run” episode. With this arc, I’m even more curious to see the script for this issue. Capturing the boyish charm Kyle Gallner had in his portrayal. The art was well placed for the entire Las Vegas related content. The ending with Chloe to bring it all home was nicely done with both the art, and timing. Then Clark’s expression at the very end was a nice touch.

This was a nice end to a character, if even for now. Maybe it’s just me, but I love when a hero goes out the hero doing and using his powers the right way. Mad happy with this arc. And that CLARK CAN FINALLY BE CLARK… well the disguise of Clark.

Haunted: at a Metropolis bar, Otis is greeted with the presence of Lois Lane, who just finished talking Psimon in his cell. The reporter, begins to ask Otis questions about his now former boss, Lex and what he knows about Tess being in his head. Met with a unhelpful answer, she leaves to find someone who is more comfortable to him to speak with. Barbara Gordon in Gotham, is now up and about since her alien attack, (click link for more details) and is willing to help Lois with her investigation but not as Nightwing, but as herself, who just so happens to be Bruce Wayne’s assistant. Barbara rushes off to Metropolis by bat-plane to meet Otis, in Las Vegas, Clark is gradually getting faster and faster, which he needs to, in order to get the attention of the “Black Flash”. In doing so, he’s preventing the “Speed storms” from claiming any more lives.
In a “hail Mary” move, the Black Racer, tries to weaken the fake Eifle Tower to fall from its foundations and on top of the innocent bystanders, but that was a job for Superman to take care of. The two begin battle as the story moves back to Jay Garrick & Bart Allen who have a mini, if you will, a Flash to Flash moment.
Then Bart races off to finish the fight he never asked for… to be continued

Wow. That was a terrible scene between the two Flashes. Bart feels like he’s always alone and then Jay starts saying the speed force, “isn’t just what fuels us, it’s what binds us”? Really?! That’s so out of the blue. Why does Bart feel like that is my first question. He has no need to. Granted, I don’t know the man’s story but come on. I think that’s where this arc gets me annoyed. That one scene. For the most part, this one has been the series best (so far), but that scene ruined a lot of the hope for that. Otherwise a just below average written issue by Bryan Q. Miller. And I mean below average of the size equal to the space between the stem, and the dot of a lower case i. I mean that in terms of the words on paper mind you, because the look of each scene is pretty incredible.

My favourite moment that Jorge designed is when Superman saves this dude and gives him a list of instructions. Just a well designed look to the character. This wasn’t his own best showing, but it’s far from his worst. I also very much enjoyed the look of the Barbra Gordon scene. The style was very appropriate.

Disclaimer:… I know I’m late… I’m sorry, but I will be caught up by Aug 22nd

It’s Morning in Metropolis, and Lex discovers that his “Brain Machine” has gone missing. Begins to eliminate the possible thieves, even himself via Tess when, Otis tells him that all the tapes and guards are gone, in which, Otis suggests, looks like they were bought off. Leaving Lex the only possible outcome of Queen. Then on Earth-2,Chloe and Oliver discuss a plan to land a kryptonite arrow between the eyes of “Ultraman” then, Ollie reveals that he plans to marry Lois, which makes Chloe laugh. She then begins to help him with his posture (in this universe, Ollie has still been stranded on an island and all that, I just don’t think he’s “Green Arrow”) and then two begin to flirt (cousin’s right… Can’t trust them lol). Back on Earth-1, Chloe tells Ollie what just happened, when they get an alert that’s there is another speed storm happening in Utah, where the story shifts to the house of Jay Garrick, where he tells them that once you get hit by the” Speed Force”, your life isn’t yours anymore, and that eventually you have to let it go. Then Impulse begins to join in the conversation by asking why didn’t Jay close the loop. Seeing how heated the argument is getting Superman steps in between the two. Then he gets a call from Watchtower that’s there’s a “category five” speed storm in Las Vegas. Impulse then begins to rush off to save the day, but Superman grabs him by one arm (this gave me a good laugh) and drags him inside the house when Watchtower tells him that S.T.A.R. Labs has a possible solution to, two of Superman’s problems. One being that they found a way to “contain” the radiation or shield it from being tracked by Lex’s satellite(‘s) and a way to speed him up to Impulse’s speed level to see the speed demon. All In a nifty new suit.
After putting on the new suit, Superman races off to save lives in Las Vegas… To be continued…

I remember when I first read this issue, I got all excited, I was picturing all the stuff the show would have done in this episode. For the most part, it’s all right there in front of you. There hasn’t been many funny random moments in the comic form… For Superman anyway. Impulse even displayed annew ability in his power set, that I don’t think was even mentioned in the show or comic series until now. The flash basically, can control the particles and molecules that make up his body to vibrate through other more solid objects. Do seeing it and hearing him say it as a threat made me enjoy the issue a little more.

I love the use of the shadows and all the dark colours.Just the best drawn panel/page in this issue another great use of dark colours

The art towards the end was pretty damn good Love the last panel of Clark just taking in Las Vegas as the storm is just causing chaos all around. There’s a great use of shadows in the Earth-2 scene, and the best drawn character in this issue is Dr. Hamilton. To touch back one last time, I love that they kept the colour scheme for certain locations in smallville. In the early seasons, the entirety of Smallville had a warm colour tint to it, then when you got to Metropolis it was a blue tint until about season 8 where it became his home. Earth-2 just was just he’ll, so the darks, and greys were perfect. There’s more on both the show and this comic but we haven’t totally gotten there.

Back with the “Hunted” story arc where Superman and Impulse are teaming up to help deal with some form of speed demon. The story starts off in Mumbai where another speed storm, takes a child’s life, then a cop’s, in France. Chloe and Oliver, at Watchtower, inform the two heroes of the increasing rates of death due to speed storms in locations recently visited by Impulse. Meanwhile, the two have come to their destination, the home of Jay Garrick. Back at Watchtower, Chloe faints and seems to slip into a trance that sends her into the memories of E2 Chloe. In these memories, she sees Earth 2 Clark hunting the “Meteor Freaks” at their high school graduation and then how close she came to death by the hands of Clark. She comes out of the trance shaken up. Back in the home of Jay Garrick, who asks (one of the biggest questions to never get answered on the show) why he stole his identity. Bart explains that he didn’t intend to, the names were just in his head after getting his powers (I’m sure this is something that will be built upon later). Then the real reason why the two showed up at Jay’s house comes up, and he then explains why he stopped being the “Flash” since the JSA arrests. Impulse asks how he can survive it like Jay has, which isn’t an option for Bart, so Jay tells him… Then you have to die son the “speed demon” can collect. To be continued…

This was one of those issues/episodes… (Segments?) that was missing in the weekly live action. There is quite a bit of back story given about Impulse and he was easily the shows best Co-starring hero, until Green Arrow made his debut. But Impulse was the only one who didn’t entirely make sense or get a real origin story. Don’t get me wrong, he still doesn’t have much of one, but it was a step in the right direction. The Jay Garrick scene feels much like a Smallville cameo. Meaning, it’s there, but then budget is too low to use this properly, which is unfortunate. I felt they could have done more for Garrick’s back story as well, but its good for what his purpose is. One thing, that I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, is how I love that there’s ton of flash backs in these comics and this arc, so far, is no different. I can only guess Bryan Q. Miller has bigger plans than he’s led us to believe for the cast. I’m actually kind of more curious to see the Chloe side of a story… I guess there’s a first time for everything.

Fave piece of artwork in this issue

As much as I’ve been praising Jorge Jimenez, this probably wasn’t his best issue. Towards the end of the book it looked very cheap, but I still have faith in his work. There isn’t much here that I can say that hasn’t already been said by me, so with that said,

Gotta add, of all the covers, this is the “worst” one. why does Impulse look like he’s 6?

On the roof top of the daily Planet, Lois and Clark are talking about how much they miss each other and then she shows him info about the man who turned old, at the old Lexcorp facility. She also tells him others like this have been showing up all over the globe with the same end result, Supes then determines they’re all places Bart has been, and the frequency is increasing. Then Lois’ intern, interrupts the rendezvous with info on the note Lex seemingly wrote without knowing. It was indeed the handwriting of one Tess Mercer. At S.T.A.R. Labs, Ollie and Dr. Hamilton discuss the possible outcomes of what “Earth one” (aka: E1 from here on out) Chloe may get from Ollie’s fringe idea(see bottom of post), one being that the baby will be fine, but it’s all a risk after that. Meanwhile, at the Justice Society of America HQ, Abigail Hunkel aka Red Tornado let’s Impulse, and Superman in to get a lead on where Jay Garrick is. Back at S.T.A.R. Labs, Chloe finally enters the memories of E2 Chloe, where she sees Lois running away from or to something. She yells something to Chole, then a face in the sky, disintegrates her… To be continued…

So, I’ll come out and say it, the face was the “Anti Monitor” from the story “Infinite Crisis on Infinite Earth’s” . This was expected but his entrance to the show has probably been the best reveal since any of Clark’s friends/foes from season one to now. It just has this grand moment that I could easily see being a mid-season finale. Well, at least that’s how I pictured it.

Favourite page of the issue

Jorge is largely in part to why this arc is so fantastic right now. Rarely is there a bad panel or page. It’s not always true to character or to the actor’s face, but at this point, that’s expected and it’s not so bad. I mean, it’s better than some other artists, who don’t really change the way anyone’s face is structured. When you get to the end with Lois getting killed, you can really feel a Smallville like essence. This dude has really captured the flair of the show.

Bryan Q. Miller even, he came on late to the show, I believe, between season five to seven, and he’s just gradually getting better. I would like to believe that his scripts are detailed enough to really get the best out of Jorge. I don’t think since reading the first two final crisis’ that I’m really excited for a DC book. Add the fact that all the back story you need is in the show and light references are always made in this book, right now is the best time to jump on this book.

The 26th issue has Lois paying Lex a visit who seems to be controlled by Tess in some fashion. It Lex or Tess leaves a note for Lois “HELP!” Meanwhile over The Atlantic Ocean, Superman and The Flash/ Kid Flash, Impulse (which ever you agree with that he is, use, but for each time he’s referenced from here on out, he’s Impulse/Bart) do their normal routine of racing each other to Mumbai, India. Somehow Impulse beat him there. Later Superman fills Impulse in on the radiation issue caused by Lex, over ice-cream. They end up having a real bromance moment. Seconds later, Watchtower summons the two to Paris to deal with art thieves. The two agree to make it a “best two outta three” race, this time Bart gives Supes a head start. Just as he is about to take off, something calls out….

As you can see in the sample here the art is a lot better overall, Minus the part in the story with Lois, Jorge Jimenez (Carrie Straghan on colours) really craft a nice tone to the book it’s a very loose looking anime style (which I think I said in the last issue review). I think its safe to say that since the first arc, we are gonna see less and less likeness to the actors in particular to Tom Welling as Clark. which isn’t such a bad thing, but its a tad annoying to me anyway. I mean, for 10 seasons we’ve seen Tom, so I was hoping the artist’s would do a little more justice to the source material… but meh, life goes on right?

Bryan’s clearly setting us up for something. This issue really just felt like a filler or a bridge even. With Bart in this issue, we’ll see a lot more “fast paced” action (really as fast as one could imagine for a comic). Expect a lot of mexican slang, and some back story, I’m sure, later about why he had Barry Allen, Jay Garrick, etc., I.d’s. I’m sure whatever is calling out to him is gonna be something from the speed force. which recently caused Barry Allen to make a return from the dead in Final Crisis (which totally sucked by the way).

The 3rd story arc commences with this issue and it starts with the elements seen in Fracture (Se.7 Ep.12 ), Run (Se.4, Ep.5), and of course the ever relevant fact Lex no longer remembers anything prior to the series finally thanks to Tess.

In Fracture, we saw Clark gallivant in the mind of Lex, and now Lex has to do the exact same in his own mind. He’s interrupted by Otis, his assistant, and told that there’s a super battle going on with Superman and Psimon (an actual DC character) who is some how connected to Lex (this is Psimon’s first appearance on the show/comic), who has now showed up offering to stop the fight somehow. Angered by Lex’s presence, he attempts to strike him only to miss, thanks to Superman rushing in to save Lex and taking him to Mexico (or a Mexican owned region). When Superman returns, Psimon outsmarts him. At random, Impulse (or the flash, depending who you ask) helps take him down, since his actions and thoughts are basically registered simply as impulses versus normally processed thoughts. To help with his high metabolism, he gets everyone ice cream in typical Smallville fashion.

This may be the best start to an arc so far, and that’s from the start of the cover, to the end of the issue. From the small nods, to past events and characters like Bert, the C.S.I. photographer (which Bryan Q. Miller also wrote the episode he was featured in). I loved that Superman took Lex to Mexico. Too often is Superman the “good guy”, where as admirable as that is, it gets MAD boring. Sometimes, within reason, Superman should be able to do some asshole things like that. For example… “I don’t like you villain, let me just hit you into space for a second just because I can”. But anyway, I’m curious to see where this arc takes us in writing.

The artist again is new in this issue and is probably the best that’s ever worked on the book so far. Jorge Jimenez’s art with Carrie Straghan on colours. Jimenez captures the same flair that was in the episode “Fracture” with the creepy hallways and even the look of the younger Tess Mercer. And, this Lex IS MUCH MORE like the Lex from the show, much better art in this first issue. Let’s hope it continues.